The Establishment of the Taiwan Cultural Association（II）
In January 1921, the first Petition Movement for the Establishment of a Taiwanese Parliament began with the pursuit of self-determination and self-governance in colonial Taiwan, which inspired Chiang Wei-shui profoundly. He gathered like-minded enthusiasts and planned to establish the Taiwan Cultural Association, an endeavor that gained the support of Lin Hsien-tang. On October 10, Chiang posted the notification letters for the establishment of the Taiwan Cultural Association and inaugural ceremony to all members. Before he posted the letters, he had written an invitation to Lin Hsien-tang to invite him to the inaugural meeting. The invitation was sincerely worded and attached with the lyrics of the “Song of the Taiwan Cultural Association” hand-written by Chiang himself. However, due to the passing away of Lin’s grandmother, he was not able to attend the occasion. On October 17, the Taiwan Cultural Association was founded at the Blessed Imelda’s School in Taipei’s Tataocheng to “promote the advancement of Taiwanese culture.” During the preparation, the association was hindered and suppressed by the authorities. According to Tsai Pei-huo, those who dared to join the association were comparable to “diamonds.” On November 28, the Taiwan Cultural Association published the first issue of its bulletin, which included Chiang’s speech made in the inaugural meeting, titled “Clinical Notes: A Patient Named Taiwan.” The bulletin was censored and banned on November 30, and a revised version was re-published on December 10. The fervent passion and expectation of the members of the Taiwan Cultural Association was zealously received and responded by the public and exerted a lasting influence. (Chou Wan-yao)
